Prediction of fear of movement based on pain catastrophizing and neuroticism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of pain catastrophizing and neuroticism in the prediction of fear of movement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

This study was a correlational study. From patients with rheumatoid arthritisexperiencing chronic pain who referred to Gilan health centers, 100 patients were selected through convenience sampling method. Instruments used in this study included the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK), the Pain catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the NEO five-factor inventory-short form (NEO-FFI).

The results showed that pain catastrophizing and neuroticism significantly predicted fear of movement. The standardized regression coefficient for pain catastrophizing was 43.33 and for neuroticism was 0.278.

neuroticism and pain catastrophizing can affect the quality of life by increasing the patient's fear of movement and avoiding activity, and increase chronic pain problems. Therefore, these factors need to be considered in the management and treatment of these patients